NOTES BY PHAETON.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 14133, 7 August 1909, Page 7

NOTES BY PHAETON.

THE NEW ZEALAND GRAND

| NATIONAL STEEPLECHASE. Ox Tuesday next the 34th New Zealand Grand National Steeplechase will bo brought up for decision at Riccarton. The first Grand National contest to eventuate in Maoriland, it may be remarked, was in 1876; but it was not as now hold under the auspices of the Canterbury Jockey Club, but by a separate organisation, and for several years the leading cross-country event was run annually either at Oamaru or Timaru. The first Grand National Steeplechase promoted exclusively by t.he Canterbury Jockey Club came off at Riccarton in 1888, but the race was run on that course on several occasions prior to that date. Amongst the horses that figure in the field for this year's race are several noteworthy performers, which include Jack ' Pot (winner of the Hawke's Bay Steeplechase), Eurus (New Zealand Grand National Steeplechase), Capitol (Great Northern Steeplechase), Le Beau {A.R.C. Winter Steeplechase), Te Arai (Gisborne Park, Wellington, and July Steeplechases), Moccasin (Great. Northern and Wanganui Steeplechases), Speciosa (Hawke's Bay June Steeplechase), Nadador (Wanganui, Hawke's Bay, and Wellington Steeplechases), Irish (Great Northern Hurdle Race and A.R.C. Winter Steeplechase), Lingerer (Napier Steeplechase and Park Steeplechase). It will bo; seen, therefore, that there is plenty of material to furnish a capital contest. An interesting feature of the list is that Eurus and Le Beau, who finished first and second in last year's race, are again engaged, and it goes without saying that much interest will be centred in their meeting. In last year's race Eurus •carried lOst 21b, while Le Beau had a pound less, and the result was that Eurus won by two and a-half lengths. Eurus will this year have to carry list 31b, while Le Beau has lOst 131b opposite his name. Is Le Beau a better horse this year than last? is the point to be settled. Some keen observers, consider he is at about, the same standard; but personally I rather incline to the opinion that he is up to a better feat at least across country. The prospective meeting of Capitol and To Arai is another interesting factor in connection with the Riccarton cross-coun-try race. j\% my readers are aware Capitol had the misfortune to make an unlucky step when he looked like overhauling To Arai at tlio critical stage of the Wellington Steeplechase, which immediately shattered his prospects of success. In the Wellington Steeplechase Capitol was conceding Te Arai 161b, but in the Grand National the bay son of Monaco will be called upon to meet his chestnut rival at a difference of only 31b. If Capitol should have beaten To Arai at Trenthain, my readers will have no difficulty in assuming what will be the positions as ■ between the pair when they come to tackle Riccarton next Tuesday.

NEW ZEALAND RACING STATISTICS. Figures as a rule are counted dry reading; but those associated with racing arc hardly in that category; indeed, they furnish so much material to induce conversation and discussion as to invest them at all times with a good spice of interest. The turf statistician of the Referee this week brought out his budget of figures bearing on last season's racing in New Zealand, and .as usual the table of winning sires is given priority of position. Before the autumn meetings were through , it was quite recognised that the Glenora Park horse Soult would this year hold the place of honour amongst the winning sires. The brown son of St. Simon is given credit for the parentage of 53 winners of place money in New Zealand, representing a sum of £16,000. This is , a very attractive record, and it is one that will stand sC lot of looking into. Stepniak follows Soult in the list, 66 descendants of the Nordenfeldt horso having captured prize money to the extent of £12,976. Tho defunct Merriwee oecupios third place, 39 of his progeny being responsible for the winning of stakes to the value of £12,204. Birkenhead, who was runner-up to Stepniak last year, figures fourth in the statistics this year; but though the son of Orme does not hold so good a position as last year, tho number of his winning descendants have increased, as has his stake total, which is £10,591, against £10,344 last year. The expatriated Menschikoff is in a good position, considering that he has not been altogether advantageously placed. Tho Australian-bred San Fran has gone up from eighth position last year to sixth, and his winning total, £5265, is tho earnings of 26 of his descendants. In tho table of winning horses, All Red holds tho place of honour, the earnings of Stepniak's well-tested son running out to £3230. The two-year-old Provocation follows with the good total of £2560; and then in order come: ■ Armlet, £2145; Bobrikoff, £2115; Husbandman, £2100; Master Soult, £2015 ; and Aborigine, £1915. The interesting fact to be recorded in connection with the winning horses' list is that four three-year-olds figure in the first seven, while a two-year-old is runner-up to the leading winner.. Amongst the winning owners Sir George Clifford "figures at the head of the list, with a total of £6757 10s. To find Sir George Clifford's name heading the list of winning owners has a right to bo viewed _as a very pleasing incident in connection with tho season's racing, not because of such carrying with it a big capture in stake money, for that aspect of the question, it can be said with safety, is quite of a secondary consideration with the owner of " Stonyhurst;" but on tho grounds that tho successful feats registered by horses carrying the " yellow and blue chequers " have brought much joy to a good and true sportsman. Mr." T. H. Lowry, who this year figures second on the list of winning owners, with £5417 10s, was 13th on the list last year, with £2005, and that, of course, represents a good advance. Another Hawke's Bay sportsman folows Mr. Lowry in the person of Mr. E. J. Watt, the earnings of his horses running out to £5247._ Yet another Hawke's Bay sportsman is included in the leading four owners, the Hon. J. D. Ormond securing fourth position with £5062 10s. In the preceding season Mr. Ormond was found in the leading place, with £8825 as won by horses carrying the " all oorise."

THE LEADING RACEHORSE. Nonotte's record of £3960 in the season of 1901-1902 still stands as tho most valuable capture in stakes to dato in Maoriland. The star performer in New Zealand last season, so far as a stake-capture is concerned, is All Red, tho bay son of Stepniak, having Avon £3230. This is the third year in succession that a four-year-old has held tho leading position in New Zealand, and it is interesting to noto that they aro all of the bay shade. That docs not, however, it may bo observed, establish a record so far as colour is concerned,- as in tho six proceding seasons, that is, from 1900-01 to 1905-06, horses of tho chestnut shado (Renown, Nonette, Achilles, Gladsome, Mahutonga, and Noctuiform) headed tho list. The following littlo table which I liavo compiled will show how All Red's record comes out when ranged with the leading, winners during tho past 15 seasons: — Season. Horse. Winnings. £> s. 1894-95—Mahaki, 4yrs 1.434 15 1895-96—Euroclydon. 3yrs 2,090 19 1896-97 Multiform, 2yrs 2,761 13 1897-98 Mult 3yrs 2.144 10 1898-99—Screw Gun, 2yrs 1.782 0 1899-00—Advance, 3yrs 3.251 0 1900-01—Renown, 3yrs 3,185 0 1901-02 —Nonette, 3yrs 3,900 0 1902-03— Achilles, 3yrs 2,-85 0 1903-04—Gladsome, 3yrs 2,665 0 1904-05 — Mahutonga. 4yrs 2,977 0 *1905-06—Noctuiform, 3yrs ... ... 3,747 0 1906-7—Master Delaval. 4yrs ... 2.356 0 Zimmerman, 4yrs 3.375 0 1908-09 All Red, 4yrs 3.230 0 'Including winnings in Australia.

LEAVES FROM MY NOTEBOOK. Tho Australian Hurdle Race, which is run over the trying course* of throo miles and a-half (less 92yds), comes up for decision at Caulfield to-day. The well-per-formed Bribery figures amongst tho list of acceptances, and much interest will bo centred in the part ho is destined to play in the finish. The son of Malvolio'a winning repertoire in important jumping events to date includes the V.R.C. Grand National Hurdle Race, Caulfiold Grand National Steeplechase, and V.R.C. Grand National Steeplechase, so that should he score a victory in the Australian Hurdle Race ho will have established a fresh record. Tho following is a list of the horses engaged in the Caulfiold event:—Bribery, list 111b; Enchanted States, list 51b; Proeeeder, list 31b; Kalnuck, lOst 131b; Dagoba, lOst lllb; Concave, lOst 91b; The Sun. lOst 31b; Fossil, lOst lib; Nightlight, 9st 131b; Tho Cothbrack, 9st- 131b; Alert Dream, 9st; 131b; Eurainbccn, 9st 71b; Rogue's March, 9st; Louise, 9st; Manason, 9st.

Tho Leolantis gelding Lionheart has made his appearance at Riccarton with a view to contesting the New Zealand Grand National Hurdlo Race. When contesting in Australia Lionheart showed a lot of pace in his races, and in the V.R.C. Grand National Hurdle Race he was making play in front to such a tune that it seemed as though he would come in by himself; but he faded away in such a pronounced manner as to actually finish in 14th place- The distance of that event, however, extended to three miles, which is a mile in advance of the New Zealand race. Lionheart, it may bo remarked, won a brace of twomllo hurdle races in Australia—one at Flemington and the other ,at Moo nee Valley. At the first-named place Lionheart carried 9st, and won by 15 lengths, in 3m. 49is, while at Moonee Valley lie carried lOst 81b, and won by eight lengths, in 3m. 51£s. Lionheart is weighted at 9st 131b in the New Zealand Grand National Hurdlo Race, the fastest time recorded in connection with which is 3m. 44 3-55., registered by Shrapnel in 1907.

Had anyone ventured the opinion that the Auckland Racing Club would receive nearly as much money in bookmakers' _ fees as tho sum paid to- the Victoria Racing Club for the right to bet, such would have been scouted. However, tho little fact has been established that during the racing season 1908-1909 the pencillers paid the A.R.C. £8169 for the ri<jiit to bet at Ellerslie on 13 days. The Victoria Racing Club held 16 days' racing at Flemington during the season, and tho sum paid by the bookmakers amounted to £8500. When it is remembered that, the sound of the totalisator bell is unknown at Flemington, while those betting at Ellerslio have to battle against a stiff rival in that respect, there is a deal of food for reflection in considering the figures quoted above. • • " • ■ "H■ ■■

John O'Connell, who went to Melbourne to ride Waipu and Kiatcre, returned to New Zealand during the present week. In conversation with a Wellington reporter O'Connell stated that Kiatere injured his leg in the train journey from Sydney to Melbourne, and poisoning set in. Ho was started in a steeplechasers' flat, race, and showed a fair turn of pace, but his leg was in a bad way afterwards, and if. will bo some time before he is right. Waipu galloped well on the track before tho Grand National Hurdlo Race, but ran badly in that event. Ho developed rheumatism later, and had to he "laced in the hands of a veterinary surgeon. Waipu and Kiatero are to be left in Australia for tho present.

Penates, who last year distinguished himself in the Winter Cup, is reported to bo in great heart, and he is on hand at Riccarton again with a view to again contesting the mile race set down for decision at the forthcoming Grand National mooting. A Wellington writer, in referring to the son of Ruenalf, says:—Some people express the opinion that Penates would have been better had he started in a couple more races during tlio winter. That he will be out in front at one part of the Winter Cup race seems to be admitted as a natural conclusion. But .will ho run the mile right out? is also asked.

Mr. W. E. Bidwill's horses for Australia will, it is now stated, leave Wellington for Sydney about the end of tho present, month. A. Oliver will go across at the same time, and, in addition to riding Provocation and Tribulation, he will also Lave the mount on Mundic, who will be taken to Australia at an early date.

Tauira continues to be a much-discussed horse in Wellington in connection with the Grand National Hurdle Race. There are (says a writer in the Dominion) arguments advanced against Tauira's chances in tho big hut-die race at Riccarton. The bookmakers say that ho is not nearly iuch a hot favourite as was Battleaxo a few years ago. "And," they say, " Battleaxe was beaten."

Soult has been so attractively advertised in Australia during _ the past few seasons that it is no surprise to learn from Mr. Walters that he recently received a big offer for the St Simon horse. I learn from tho Glcnora Park studmnstcr that the sum offered for Soult was £6000. Soult, it is pleasing to learn, is to continue in his old home at Papakura.

One of the most, pleasing items to record in connection with the New Zealand turf is that the Dunedin Jockey Club is onco again on tho high road to prosperity. Tho next Dunedin Cup is to carry prize-money to the extent of 500sovs. The old club has had a stiff up-hill fight, and any success that comes their way, it can be heartily said, will be well deserved.

Tho Prix du Jockey Club (French Derby) was won by Mr. W. K. Vanderbilt's colt Negofol, who started favourite and won by a length and a-half from M. Edmond Blanc's filly Union. The interesting fact to be recorded in connection with the Prix du Jockey Club this year is that Childwick, the sire of the winner, is an English-bred horse bv the famed St, Simon. Childwick was sold as a yearling for 6000g5., which stood as the record price for some time for a horso of that age.

The finest race meeting in the world is that held at Ascot in June (says a wellknown writer). There are no first and second-class handicaps there. Only the best horses arc catered for, and the stake-money for the four days comes to nearly £40,000. This year it was £38,997 10s ! A good deal of this money is supplied by owners, but, nil contributions by owners go to tho stake. The fund takes nothing. Ascot stands right by itself.

Mr. Fairie, tho owner of Bayardo, tho champion two-year-old of last season in England, introduced to racegoers at the Royal Ascot meeting last month the half-brother to that colt named Lemberg, by Cyllene, the sire of Minoru, from Galicia. He is a colt of quality, and in the New Stake, of 1000sovs., easily defeated his 11 opponents. If his successful debut may be taken as a guide, this colt is more than likely to go through the season with as brilliant a career at Bayardo. At the same fixture the King's Derby winner, Minoru, captured the St. James' Palace Stakes, of lOOsovs., each for starters, with 300 added, for three-year-olds. This was an easily-earned stake for the Royal stable, and His Majesty's colours were loudly applauded as they were carried first past the post at a pace not much better than a canter.

The programme in connection with tho Waikato Hunt Club's annual race meeting, which takes place on September 1, will require attention at tho hands of horse owners on or before Wednesday next, on which, dato nominations close for all events, In© programme will bo found published in lull in another column.

Tho German Oaks, run in June, was won by Ladylike, an English-bred filly, a daughter of Volodyovski, dam Ladyland, by Kendal out of Glare, by Ayrshire. Ladyland, in foal to Volodyovski, was the property of Mr. Simons Harrison, who sold her at the Newmarket December sales to Count Lchndorff for 1000 guineas, and tho produce was tho Oaks winner Ladylike.

In referring to tho action of tho Racing Conference affirming the principle of stipendiary stewards, tho Canterbury Times says: —"It is a move in tho dosir©{l direction to find a majority of the Conference delegates in favour of the proposal, and all we can hope is that it is not a subtle move to shelve the matter and get rid of further criticism for another year."

Of tho £38,997 10a which went to the winning horses at Ascot, £11,873 fell to horses bred in Ireland. This sum did not includo tho £3050 won by Princesso do Galles, _ as the daughter of Gallinule was, 1 think (writes a correspondent of tho London Sportsman), foaled at Sandringham. What a testimony to the Irish horse and tho Irish soil, remarks an English writer.

One of the most notable exhibits in tho thoroughbred section at tho Queensland exhibition was tho Molbourne Cup winner of 1901—Revenue- Tho son of Trenton and Water Lily, it may be remarked, now forms one of the team of horses owned by Lord Dudley, Governor-General of tho Commonwealth. Revenue holds tho record of being the hottest favourite that ever won the Melbourne Cup.

Tho French people have very good reason to sing the praise of their crack cross-country horseman F. Parfrement, as he followed up his brilliant feat on Lutteur 11. in tho Liverpool Grand National Steeplechase by steering Saint Caradeo to victory in tho Grand Steeplechase do Paris.

Last year an English syndicate purchased, from tho Irish breeder Colonel Hall Walker eight yearlings for 10,000sovs., and ono of tho youngsters, Charles O'Malley, is_ voted ono of tho best two-year-olds out this season in England. Charles O'Malley is a son of tho St. Simon horse Desmond.

Horses bred by Colonel W. Hall Walker, at tho Tully Farm, Ireland, head tho winning list for breeders in England up to tho closo of the Ascot June meeting this season, with a total of £18,695, of which His Majesty's colt Minora is responsible for £14,279.

A proposed addition to tho English Rules of Racing reads as follows:—"No weight shall bo allotted to a horse in a handicap until lie has run throe times in the United Kingdom." It was to have been brought forward at a meeting of tho Jockey Club at the commencement of this month.

Mr. E. J. Watt has paid forfeit for : his pair, Maori King and Bally Shannon, in connection with tho Australian Jockey Club's Derby, which may bo taken to moan that ho has no designs on Randwick this spring.

The Dunedin Jockey Club have of late shown a desire to do something to cultivate tho steeplechaser, and it has been decided to again place a cross-country event on the winter programme next season.

Nominations for the Avon dale Cup, FirstHandicap Steeplechase, Plumpton Handicap, and Flying Stakes, to be run at tho Avondale Jockey Club's Spring Meeting, close on tho 20th inst., at nino p.m.

According to advices received in Melbourne the Auckland-bred gelding Soultline, who was transported to India a few months back, is thriving best of recent equino importations to tho East.

At the International Horse Show in London last month the jumping competition, open to tho world and over a stiff sot of obstacles, was won by an Italian representative, Lieutenant Bianchetti's Murzuff.

In tho early part of the -week Miss Advance was in rather a bad way from an internal complaint, but Mr. C. D. Halstead is now hopeful of pulling the bay mare through.

During the past nine seasons horses carrying the colours of Sir George Clifford have won stakes to tho valuo of £45,174.

By a clerical error, Elysian's name was crossed out of tho Avondalo Guineas instead of Roselike's.

STUD NOTES. BY PHAETON.

In addition to the £16,000 capturcd by descendants of Sou It on tho New Zealand turf during last season, tho record of the Glenora Park horse is further swelled by £5082 which his progeny won in Australia, and which embraced victories gained in Now South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia. Since that time Seddon won a £300 stake at Flomington, so that t.ho sum won by Soult's progeny in Australia was placed well above £.5000. Tho two sums combined bring Soult's winning total up to over £21,000, and that boats tho record of Grafton last season, tlio sum credited to the _ latter's progeny during that period running out to £20,443. When two-thirds of tho 1903-9 season had expired the winnings of Grafton's descendants amounted to £19,852, so that it looks like a very close thing between Australia's crack sire and Soult for tho loading position this year.

Mr. H R. Mclvenzie, of Mangero, continues to experience tho test of good fortune with Lady Hester. Tho St. Lcger mare this week produced a tine colt loal to Soult., As tho youngster claims full brothership to the consistent Master Soult, he is entitled to be regarded in the. light of valuable property.

Tauhei, the dam of Iranui, is again numbered amongst visiting mares at Glenora Park, the gray daughter of Castor being on to red on Soult's list. Tauhoi threw a very promising colt as the result of her last mating with Soult; but an unfortunate accident which befel him recently while at walking exercise on tho -road near Trentham left him in a bad way; and it is doubtful if he will be in a fit state to resume training for a considerable period.

At tho closo of tho Ascot June meeting the expatriated Cyllenc, sire of the King's Derby winner, was still at the head of the winning list of English stallions, with a total of 12 wins for £17,501 10s, of which Minoru, by his four { successes, contributed £14,279. Gallinule came next, with 13 wins, for £10,050; then followed in order: Persimmon, seven wins, for £5967; Carbine, eight wins, for £8915.

An English writer says: There have been persistent efforts to buy Your Majesty (Per—Yours) for France, and from the same quarter Colonel Hall Walker is said to have refused an offer of £25,000 for White Eagle (Gallinulo—Merry Gal). The colonel, however, was prepared to sell at 26,000 guineas.

Multiform figures in 21st position in the New Zealand sires' list, the sum won by his seven descendants being assessed at £2329. Multiform's great year was in 19056, at which period his progeny captured stake-money to tho extent of £11,634.

THE AUSTRALIAN STEEPLECHASE. By Telegraph.— Association.—Copyright.

Melbourne, August 6. The New Zealand horse Pilot has been scratched for the Australian Steeplechase.

A.J.C. SPRING MEETING. By Telegraph.— Association.— (Received August 6, 11.30 p.m.) Sydney, August 6. Mooltan has been scratched for the Epsom and Metropolitan Handicaps. CANTERBURY JOCKEY CLUB'S GRAND NATIONAL MEETING. RICCARTON TRAINING NOTES. [BY telegraph.—press association.] Ohristchtoch, Friday. To-day was an off morning at Riccarton, and (he work was uninteresting. Penates galloped a circuit at a strong pace. He got cut on the bind leg on the trip down. Tauira heat Exmoor by three lengths over seven furlongs in Xm. 355., Tauira going comfortably at the finish. Lovell, a half-brother to Pilot, gave a good display twice round the big fences. Most of the other horses were restricted to easy tasks. . Snip burst his foot yesterday, and is an unlikely acceptor for the Grand National Hurdle Race.